## Guidelines

Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid. Whether you are a domestic or an international student, studying full-time or part-time, the following guidelines should be followed:

- **Apply early** to ensure that your loans are approved in a timely manner.
- **Double check your application before submitting it**. Inaccurate and/or incomplete applications will delay the approval process.
- **All loan funds are disbursed directly from the lender to the Bursar** approximately two weeks before the start of each semester. Loan funds received in excess of your total charges will be [refunded](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/portal-partners/financial-aid/loans/disbursements-refunds) to you, either by check or direct deposit.
- **To reduce or cancel a current loan**, please email [Stern Graduate Financial Aid](mailto:fin-aid@stern.nyu.edu).
- **Track the federal loans you have borrowed** by accessing the "Find My Servicer" on the [Federal Student Aid](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers) website.
- **Track the private loans you have borrowed** by keeping a record of all correspondence with your private student loan servicer.

## Beyond Loans

- [Scholarships](/portal-partners/financial-aid/scholarships-fellowships)
- [Tuition Remission Positions](/portal-partners/financial-aid/scholarships-fellowships/teaching-fellowships-graduate-assistantships)
- [Company Sponsorship](/portal-partners/financial-aid/tools-resources/company-sponsorship)
- [Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits](http://www.gibill.va.gov/)